Event data recorders may soon be present in all vehicles

All new vehicles may soon contain event data recorders (EDR) to determine the reason behind auto accidents, according to Reuters.

The U.S. Department of Transportation recently proposed the addition of EDRs to all vehicles built after September, 2014. The EDRs are intended to record crash information to help auto manufacturers and investigators determine the causes behind car accidents.

Although the department has good intentions, many consumers are concerned about the invasion of privacy that such a device would represent. Such a recording device has many drivers worried that their driving speed, location and time of day would be recorded and used to affect their insurance rates.

However, proponents of the machines have noted that they would not be constantly recording. They would be triggered into the "on" position by crash indicators, including airbag deployment, heavy braking patterns and vehicle impact.